Two-part last and method of making same



May 28, 1929.

. attorney Patented May 28, 1929.

warren stares WALTER A. KBENTLER, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR T0 KRENTLER-ARNOLD mates EPA'EENT @FFECE.

HINGE LAST COMPANY, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN, A CORPORATION OF IMICHIGAN.

TWO-PART LAST AND METHOD 0F IVLAKING SAME.

Application filed September My present invention is a novel and improved construction for shoe lasts wherein the forepart and heel part are relatively movable to facilitate withdrawing the same from a shoe, s well as to enable such a last to be more readily fitted to a shoe for re-lasting.

My invention also comprises a novel method of constructing and assembling such last parts and the connecting hinge members.

I11 the manufacture of boots and shoes it is of great importance to have a last which can be quickly and easily withdrawn from the shoe after the shoe has been built thereon, without straining, distorting, or other wise damaging the completed shoe. For this purpose it is necessary that the last may be shortened before or as it is Withdrawn from the shoe. Heretofore such shortening of shoe lasts has been effected by pivotal or sliding constructions, and the location of the uniting link, links, members or the connecting pins or pivots, as well as the position and shape of the lines of cut dividing the forepart and heel part. In other prior last con-' structions entire sections were removed to facilitate the withdrawing from the shoe. In my present invention I have discovered a last construction and method of making same which will permit of a positive lengthwise shortening of the last parts in addition to, and independent of, the swinging of the same on the uniting member or pivot points, and a method of so forming and constructing the last parts and connecting members as to still hold the forepart and heel part firmly and rigidly united when in extended position. Thus, by my present invention I am enabled to produce a two part last construction which automatically effects a positive longitudinal shortening of the last parts, from heel to toe, by and during the mere action of relative movement between the heel part and forepart, thus instantly and positively loosening up the last within the shoe and greatly facilitating its removal therefrom. This swinging feature also facilitates the utilization of this construction in fitting a last into a shoe for rc-lasting purposes, thus rendering my present improved last as peculiarly fitted both for a first last and as a second last for re-lasting, shoe treeing, and the like.

In carrying out my present invention I 4., 192.6. Serial No. 133,602.

more fully illustrated and described in my copending' application 74,166, although it will be appreciated that other connecting members can be utilized to advantage.

I have discovered that, by providing a recess or space in the last members appropriately positioned to permit a substantial longitudinal shortening of the last members during the relative movement of heel part and forepart, while constructing the faces of the last members to automatically straighten out or lengthen the entire last structure when the last parts are completely extended, or the securing of a firm, rigid obnstruction while yet obtaining an improved shortening ofthe last in addition to the shortening secured by the pivotal action of the two parts. This feature I may secure by forming either the socket or knuckle parts on slightly non-concentric arcs or, indeed, in forming one as the socket portion on two slightly non-concentric arcs and the knuckle portion in a single arc. Thus, during the collapsing action, the knuckle can readily fit, slide, work or turn into a recess accorded by such construction, while it will turnout of such recess and into full lengthened position oncompleting of the pivotal'action, thereby lengthening the last to its full proportions. Furthermore I secure these desirable results automatically, and with a strong, simple construction, and the member, union, link, or connecting device, acting under tension so as to hold the last parts at all times in firm contact.

Further features, novel combinations, and important advantages will be pointed out and claimed.

Referring to the drawings illustrating preferred embodiment of my invention,

Fig. l is a side view, partly in cross section illustrating my invention and the method of tions formed on non-concentric arcs in combination with a connecting means exerting" tightening tension on the last parts.

4:. A last having a forepart and heel part, means connecting said parts, one of said parts being provided with an extended knuckle and the other with a complemental socket portion, said knuckle portion being formed on one arc and the socket portion having a part non-concentric with said knuckle portion whereby a space or recess is provided into which the knuckle portion will drop during relative movement when collapsing, and out of which the knuckle portion will be moved during extending action.

5. A last having a forepart and heel part,

means connecting said parts, one of said parts being provided with an extended knuckle and the other with a complemental socket portion, said knuckle portion being formed on one are and the socket portion having a part non-concentric with said knuckle portion whereby a space or recess is provided into which the knuckle portion will drop during relative movement when collapsing, and out of which the knuckle portion will be moved during extending action in combination with connecting means having a yielding structure. I

6. The improved method in theart of manufacturing shoe lasts having a forepart and heel part arranged for relative movement on each other, which consists in forming one WALTER A. KRENTLER. 

